Quick answer: To stay safe while taking naltrexone, you should avoid opioids, alcohol misuse, and certain medications that can interfere with how the drug works. Naltrexone blocks opioid effects and can trigger withdrawal if opioids are used. While it doesn’t block alcohol impairment, drinking may still carry risks. After stopping naltrexone, opioid use can increase the risk of overdose.
What to Avoid When Taking Naltrexone (Quick Facts)
- Avoid all opioids, including prescription pain medications
- Do not try to override naltrexone’s effects with higher doses of substances
- Limit or avoid alcohol during recovery
- Be cautious with medications that affect liver function
- Always check with a provider before starting new medications
Next Steps
If you’re struggling with addiction, you don’t have to face it alone. At Casa Capri, we offer expert, women-centered care in a supportive and nurturing space—designed by women, for women. Our team is here to help you heal with purpose and connection.
Call our admissions team for a free, confidential chat—we’ll even check your insurance and estimate any costs upfront.
What to Avoid When Taking Naltrexone
Naltrexone is commonly used to support recovery from alcohol and opioid dependence. It works by blocking opioid receptors in the brain and reducing cravings, helping individuals stay on track during treatment.
To stay safe, it’s important to avoid anything that interferes with how naltrexone works or increases health risks. This includes opioids, certain medications, and behaviors that may put additional strain on your body during recovery.
Why Should You Avoid Opioids While Taking Naltrexone?
Naltrexone blocks the effects of opioids, meaning they will not produce the relief or euphoria you might be expecting. This can lead some individuals to take higher amounts in an attempt to feel something, which significantly increases risk.
If opioids are still in your system when starting naltrexone, it can trigger sudden and intense withdrawal symptoms. Because of this, it is critical to be fully opioid-free before beginning treatment.
Why Overdose Risk Increases After Stopping Naltrexone
One of the most important risks to understand is what happens after stopping naltrexone.
While taking the medication, your tolerance to opioids decreases. If someone returns to opioid use after stopping, even a previously tolerated dose can become dangerous. This significantly increases the risk of overdose.
This is why medical guidance and ongoing support are essential during and after treatment.
Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking Naltrexone?
It is possible to drink alcohol while taking naltrexone, but it’s not recommended, especially during recovery.
Naltrexone doesn’t block the physical effects of alcohol. You can still feel impaired and experience the same risks associated with drinking. While some people notice reduced cravings, others may attempt to drink more to feel the same effects.
For many individuals, avoiding alcohol entirely is the safest and most effective way to support recovery.
What Medications Should You Avoid When Taking Naltrexone?
Certain medications can interfere with naltrexone or increase health risks, particularly those that contain opioids or affect liver function.
You should be cautious with:
- Opioid pain medications such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, or morphine
- Codeine-containing cough suppressants
- Anti-diarrheal medications like loperamide, when misused
- High doses of medications that affect the liver, such as acetaminophen
- Herbal supplements that may interfere with liver function or medications
Some medications may not work as expected while taking naltrexone. In certain cases, this can lead to withdrawal symptoms or reduced effectiveness of treatment.
For a deeper look at potential risks, you can explore naltrexone side effects or talk to a healthcare professional.
Is Naltrexone Safe When Used as Prescribed?
Naltrexone is generally safe when used under medical supervision. It has been widely used as part of treatment for alcohol and opioid use disorders.
Most risks occur when it is misused, combined with opioids, or taken without proper medical guidance. Because it affects how your body responds to substances, it’s important to follow a structured treatment plan and communicate openly with your provider.
Can You Use Naltrexone While in Rehab?
Naltrexone is commonly used in rehab as part of a medically supervised treatment plan.
Before starting, individuals must complete detox from opioids to avoid withdrawal. Once safely introduced, naltrexone can help reduce cravings and support long-term recovery when combined with therapy and structured care.
Can You Go to Rehab While Taking Naltrexone?
Many individuals either begin or continue naltrexone during treatment.
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is part of some individualized treatment plans, but rehab focuses on more than medication alone. It often includes therapy, emotional support, relapse prevention strategies, and care for co-occurring mental health conditions. This combination helps address both the physical and emotional aspects of recovery.
How Casa Capri Supports Women Using Naltrexone in Recovery
If you’re taking naltrexone or considering it, you’re not alone. It’s common to have questions about what is safe and how to navigate recovery with medication.
At Casa Capri, we support women through every stage of recovery, including those using medication-assisted treatment like naltrexone. Care is designed to address both substance use and underlying emotional challenges through trauma and addiction recovery, individualized therapy, and structured clinical support.
We also incorporate approaches like mindfulness practices to help regulate the nervous system and reduce reliance on substances over time.
The goal is to help you feel stable, supported, and confident in your recovery without relying on short-term solutions.
Reach out to us today to learn more about our supportive, women-centered treatment programs.
Next Steps
If you’re struggling with addiction, you don’t have to face it alone. At Casa Capri, we offer expert, women-centered care in a supportive and nurturing space—designed by women, for women. Our team is here to help you heal with purpose and connection.
Call our admissions team for a free, confidential chat—we’ll even check your insurance and estimate any costs upfront.
FAQs About Taking Naltrexone
What happens if you take opioids while on naltrexone?
Naltrexone blocks the effects of opioids, so they will not produce the expected result. This can lead to taking higher amounts, which increases the risk of overdose once the medication wears off.
How long do you need to be opioid-free before starting naltrexone?
Most people need to be opioid-free for seven to 10 days before starting naltrexone. Taking it too soon can trigger sudden withdrawal symptoms.
Can you feel alcohol while taking naltrexone?
Yes, naltrexone doesn’t block alcohol impairment. While it may reduce cravings, you can still experience the full effects of alcohol.
What should you tell your doctor before taking naltrexone?
You should share any recent opioid use, current medications, liver conditions, and supplement use. This helps prevent complications and ensures safe treatment.
Can you stop taking naltrexone suddenly?
Naltrexone is not physically addictive, so it can usually be stopped without withdrawal symptoms. However, stopping may increase the risk of relapse or overdose due to reduced tolerance.
Is naltrexone part of long-term recovery or just short-term support?
Naltrexone can be used in the short term or long term, depending on individual needs. It’s most effective when combined with therapy, behavioral support, and a structured recovery plan.
